Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Benjamin Speakman of South Jordan, Utah pleaded guilty to weapons charges for possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun. In his plea, Speakman admitted cutting down the barrel of a New England 12-guage shotgun that is not registered to him. He has agreed to give up that firearm, as well as a 9mm Glock handgun and an AK-47.

The 27-year-old is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22 at U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball. The offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Federal authorities say Speakman went to Valley Mental Health in Midvale, Utah on Feb. 2 and told employees he had a pistol and a shotgun and was planning to kill himself and others. Speakman allegedly told officers he planned to shoot anyone at the Jordan River Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.